In the heart of Memphis’ vibrant Cooper-Young neighborhood, a unique dining experience awaits those willing to step into a piece of local history.
The Beauty Shop Restaurant has transformed what was once a glamorous 1950s beauty salon into one of the city’s most beloved breakfast and brunch destinations.
This extraordinary eatery combines nostalgic charm with innovative cuisine that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more. 🍳✨
How Beauty Shop Restaurant won locals’ hearts
When chef Karen Carrier opened this remarkable restaurant in 2002, she had a bold vision that went far beyond serving ordinary breakfast fare to the Cooper-Young community.
She brilliantly transformed Priscilla Presley’s former curl-and-dye salon into a dining destination that honored its quirky past while delivering truly exceptional food experiences.
The restaurant’s memorable slogan, “Look Good. Eat Good.” became much more than just a catchy phrase displayed on the front windows—it became a genuine promise that locals quickly fell in love with throughout Memphis. 💇♀️🍽️
What truly set The Beauty Shop apart from other restaurants was Carrier’s unwavering commitment to preserving the vintage 1950s beauty parlor aesthetic while simultaneously serving innovative New American cuisine with exciting international flair.
The original terrazzo floors, hooded Belvedere hair dryers repurposed as unique seating, and distinctive glass-brick booths created an unforgettable atmosphere unlike anything else available in the entire Memphis dining scene.
Word of mouth spread incredibly quickly through the tight-knit Cooper-Young community as enthusiastic diners discovered they could enjoy craft cocktails and globally-inspired breakfast dishes in a space that felt like stepping directly into a fascinating time capsule. 🎨✨
The menu’s eclectic mix of Southern comfort classics and bold international flavors kept devoted locals coming back week after week for their favorite morning meals and special occasion brunches.
From the famous Beneduck featuring sugar-spiced duck to the legendary Big Boy Mimosa that has become a neighborhood staple, every single dish told a compelling story of creativity and true culinary expertise.
Over two remarkable decades later, The Beauty Shop remains an absolute cornerstone of Memphis dining culture, definitively proving that authenticity, boundless creativity, and a generous touch of nostalgia can create something genuinely special and enduring. 🦆🥂
Food Highlights
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Beneduck: Crisp sugar-spiced duck with hot pepper jelly, almond skordalia, poached eggs, hollandaise, and country toast; this signature dish showcases the restaurant’s creative fusion of flavors and has become a must-try favorite 🦆🍯
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Challah French Toast: A weekend brunch favorite featuring rich, buttery challah bread that exemplifies the sweet side of the menu and keeps locals returning every single time 🍞🍓
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BBQ Shrimp and Grits: A perfect marriage of Memphis BBQ tradition and Southern comfort food, this dish represents the restaurant’s ability to honor local flavors while elevating them beautifully 🍤🌽
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Corn Fritters: Served with blueberry mint jalapeño chutney, these crispy appetizers demonstrate the restaurant’s knack for combining unexpected flavor profiles in truly delightful ways 🌽🫐
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Big Boy Mimosa: A generously sized brunch cocktail that has become legendary among locals and perfectly complements the restaurant’s fun, nostalgic vibe every single visit 🥂🍊
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Traditional Eggs Benedict: A classic done right with perfectly poached eggs, quality hollandaise, and thoughtful presentation that shows the kitchen’s impressive attention to detail 🍳
Atmosphere
The Beauty Shop transports diners to a glamorous 1950s beauty salon with its vintage Belvedere hair-dryer chairs, glass-brick booths, and original terrazzo floors.
The shabby-chic decor features mismatched chairs, tapestry banquettes, and hand-blown art-glass lights that create a warm, convivial environment perfect for any occasion. 💄✨
Bottom Line
Visit for the one-of-a-kind 1950s salon atmosphere, creative globally-inspired brunch dishes, legendary Beneduck, and the chance to dine where Priscilla Presley once got her hair done.
It’s Memphis dining history served with personality and flavor that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the city. 🎉👑
Address: 966 S Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104
📞 (901) 272-7111
🕔Open Mon-Thu 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM , 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Fri-Sat 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Sun 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM